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Best Dispersed Camping near Kootenai National Forest

9 Reviews

Kootenai National Forest offers several free dispersed camping areas along forest roads and near lakes. Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp features picnic tables, metal fire rings with grills, and vault toilets beneath pine trees. Bull Lake provides lake access with fire rings and sites suitable for tents, truck camping, or small trailers, though high clearance vehicles are recommended. A camper noted, "There are two access roads, the first more appropriate for van, truck or hike in to tent sites. Second turn off goes to a much larger area with boat launch access."

Stillwater River and Stillwater Lake are popular remote camping locations with minimal facilities. Stillwater River sites sit directly along the water with three separate fire rings, vault toilets and picnic tables, though high clearance vehicles are required for access. Red Meadow Lake offers primitive lakeside camping at 5,500 feet elevation with bear boxes and vault toilets. According to reviews, "There are about 5-6 actual spots" and "great for star gazing at night." Most dispersed sites throughout the forest adhere to the standard 14-day camping limit, and bear-resistant food storage is essential in this backcountry region.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Kootenai National Forest (19)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Kootenai National Forest

18 Photos of 19 Kootenai National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kootenai National Forest

9 Reviews of 19 Kootenai National Forest Campgrounds

  • Arielle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Engle Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great introduction to backpacking, beautiful location

    This was my first ever backpacking experience and was a great introduction for me. We did the 3.5-mile trail. It was challenging and encouraging. My dog loved it too, and she's a larger breed! I would recommend this trek for anyone who is wanting to learn and practice backpacking skills. There are a few cleared areas for dispersed camping at the lake and a few other locations along the 3.5-mile trail and the 11-mile trail to Engle Lake. It is mostly uphill along both trails, though, so be mindful of that when considering equipment and weight. It is a gorgeous spot and is close to the Engle Peak summit with 360-degree views of the Cabinet Mountains. When we were here, there were a lot of Elk and Moose foot-traffic. They probably won't bother you. Just be aware of them and store your food properly. There have been grizzly bears spotted here, but not that frequently, apparently. Nonetheless, bring a bear canister and place it 100-300 feet from your tent. Enjoy the preserved and lightly trafficked gem! And as always, leave no trace and follow COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines :)

  • Emmett S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Bull Lake

    Quiet and secluded

    Less than five miles from the highway, this is a nice sized lake stocked with fish. There were a pair of white swans on the lake when I was there but no one else around. A large parking area, could accommodate a travel trailer or two in addition to a couple tent sites with fire rings. One picnic table with a fire pit and rock fire rings at the tent sites. There are two access roads, the first is more appropriate for van, truck or hike in to tent site. Not a lot of turn around room, wouldn't bring a trailer in. Second turn off goes to a much larger area, multiple sites and boat launch access to the lake.

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Big Creek Road

    Large, quiet dispersed spot

    Dispersed spot in the flathead national forest. Did some group camping here. Nice and open, however it was absolutely littered with trash. Some a moose!

  • Clayton S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2020

    Just Past Schnaus Cabin Dispersed

    Awesome spot by the North Fork River

    We stayed here in June 2019 while on a motorcycle trip.  The area is a large open spot, known to the locals, down by the river.  There are no facilities, but if that is what you are looking for, its a perfect spot.  We only had one other camper (in a car) and it was very clean.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp

    Ok

    It’s still ok to stay here, but not many spots left. Officer came by to say these roads aren’t supposed to be here (and many were already blocked off) but you can still park in any of the sandy/ dirt road but can’t pull off anywhere. Took our licenses down.

  • Clayton S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2022

    Cedar Creek Trailhead - Overnight Dispersed

    Nice spot at the end of the day

    Cedar Creek trailhead is not officially a campground but the parking lot can be used for camping at after 5PM.  It is not massive lot, but there is plenty of space for five or six tents or car campers.  A spring runs next to the lot and if you have a filter, its makes for a great place to resupply on water.  

    I stayed here in June 2022 and had no issues with locals driving up.

  • Devin W.
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Bull Lake

    beautiful spot

    at the end of the trail last spot at the end of the lake, fire pit had a cut log to sit on, great view, would not try to bling a trailer down there

  • Tee C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2023

    Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp

    Nice equestrian campground!

    It’s Saturday and no one is here but me. Picnic tables, metal fire rings with grills, vault toilets. Big pretty pine trees! I get one bar of Verizon service but it’s not very useful.

Guide to Kootenai National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kootenai National Forest in Montana, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of locations for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Cedar Creek Trailhead

  • Cedar Creek Trailhead provides a unique experience with its parking lot available for camping after 5 PM, accommodating several tents or car campers comfortably.
  • A nearby spring offers a great opportunity for water resupply, making it convenient for those who are prepared with a filter.
  • Visitors have reported a peaceful atmosphere, with minimal disturbances from locals, allowing for a relaxing stay.

Stillwater Lake for dispersed campers

  • Located just 20 minutes from Whitefish, Stillwater Lake features rustic sites and a boat launch, perfect for those who enjoy water activities.
  • The area is known for its lovely trails and lake access, making it an ideal spot for hiking and exploring with pets.
  • Campers appreciate the first-come, first-served nature of the sites, ensuring a more spontaneous adventure.

Top activities while free camping near Kootenai National Forest

  • At Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp, campers can enjoy equestrian-friendly amenities, including picnic tables and metal fire rings, surrounded by beautiful pine trees.
  • The Stillwater River offers a picturesque riverside experience, complete with fire rings and a vault toilet, ideal for those who love fishing and relaxing by the water.
  • Bull Lake is a hidden gem stocked with fish, providing a tranquil setting for fishing enthusiasts and those seeking solitude in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping in Kootenai National Forest?

Kootenai National Forest offers excellent dispersed camping options. Red Meadow Lake is a standout location with primitive sites near the lake, bear boxes, and a vault toilet. It's perfect for fishing, summer swimming, and stargazing. For equestrian campers, Theriault Lakes Horse Camp provides free camping (14-day maximum) with tie-outs, feeding areas, and mounting ramps along a creek. Other great options include Bull Lake for fishing, Stillwater Lake for paddling and cliff jumping, and the Libby Creek Gold Panning Area for those interested in recreational gold panning. Bring water filters, be prepared for mosquitoes in summer months, and practice proper food storage in this bear country.

Is camping allowed near Kootenai Falls?

Camping directly at Kootenai Falls is not permitted as it's a day-use recreational area. However, nearby dispersed camping options exist in the surrounding Kootenai National Forest. Just Past Schnaus Cabin Dispersed offers riverside camping in a large open area not far from the falls region. This primitive site has no facilities but provides a clean, peaceful spot by the water. Alternatively, Stillwater River offers camping about a mile from the highway with fire rings, a vault toilet, and picnic tables beside deep river pools. Most dispersed sites in the area follow standard Forest Service regulations: 14-day maximum stays, pack-in/pack-out trash policies, and camping at least 100 feet from water sources.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kootenai National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kootenai National Forest is Sheldon Mountain Trailhead Camp with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kootenai National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Kootenai National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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